Scottish Government must reconsider climate plans for the next generation
The Scottish Government risks losing the trust of a generation of young people if it continues its backward slide on our climate, says Scottish Green Co-leader Gillian Mackay.
Speaking on the morning of the Glasgow Climate March, which is expected to bring hundreds of people to the streets, Gillian called for the SNP to reconsider their climate plan, which has been widely criticised by environmental campaigners for its lack of ambition and new ideas.
Gillian also called on the First Minister to get off the fence on the question of drilling in Rosebank, Scotland’s largest untapped oil and gas field and to oppose the destructive proposals.
During a Green debate this week the SNP used a wrecking amendment to avoid taking a position on the issue.
Gillian said:
“The climate crisis will be the defining environmental challenge for this generation and every generation that follows. We need bold action, but too many governments are in retreat.
“Unfortunately that includes Scotland, where the SNP has shelved targets but hasn’t replaced them with any meaningful action. The fact that they can’t even bring themselves to oppose a plan as destructive as Rosebank tells us everything we need to know.
“Only a few years ago Nicola Sturgeon was winning plaudits around the world for her ambitious targets and for taking a position against new oil and gas exploration, but that feels like a long time ago.
“Last week’s climate plan didn’t feel like it was written for a climate emergency. It was far too weak and only offered small steps when we needed big strides. Unless the SNP reconsider their approach they risk losing the trust of a generation of young people.
“We only have one planet, and there are no second chances when it comes to the world around us. The consequences of inaction are grave, but, without radical change, that is where we are headed.
“There will be hundreds of young people taking to the streets today. This isn’t just about here and now, it is also about their future and those of generations to come.”